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ANZAC Day Commemorations 2018

Submitted by Brian Barrish on April 24, 2018 - 10:13am

ANZAC Day, commemorated on April 25th every year, honors the memory and valor of Australians who have served their country and given the ultimate sacrifice. It is a link of generations, from those who battled at Gallipoli, to the brave men and women of today.

Woven within the fabric of the day is the game of football; for among those who were the first Australians who lost their lives were the heroes of the oval, their future cut short so that future generations can enjoy the fruits of life.

Commemorations and celebrations of ANZAC Day reach far beyond Australiasia and the South Pacific. Here in the USA, where the USAFL season is getting underway, the ANZACs are remembered with social gatherings and remembrances wrapped ‘round matches of the game that has been passed down from the generations.

Two USAFL game events occur this weekend to coincide with ANZAC Day, as the New York Magpies men and women host the Quebec Saints and Montreal Angels, while the Chicago Swans welcome in the Nashville Kangaroos.

2018 marks a centenary of mateship between Australia and the United States, which fought side by side in World War I and have been allies in war and peace ever since.

The Honorable Joe Hockey, Australian Ambassador to the United States and USAFL Patron, lent his best wishes to the teams and to the clubs for the upcoming season.

“Best of luck to all of the teams competing in the 2018-19 season of the USAFL. As each of you know, Americans and Australians are great mates off the field, and great competitors on the field. The USAFL is a fantastic example of this enduring relationship. As the USAFL patron, I applaud your sportsmanship and all of your efforts to raise the profile of AFL in the United States.”

Though some commemorations and matches relating to ANZAC Day were carried out this past weekend, here are USAFL-hosted events taking place this coming week:

Calling all past, present and future players. Come out and help celebrate ANZAC Day with the Boston Demons. We will be meeting at Cambridge Common @8:00 am, April 28th for a metro style match between Current Demons and Legends.! Game will be played with 2x20min halves, teams are dependent on numbers. We will kick off with a small development session for our rookies and then run right into the game shortly after. All skill levels are welcome.

Join us for the official ANZAC Day Footy Game Postmatch Event. This is a FREE event thanks to our sponsors to help remember and recognize the sacrifice the ANZACs made for Australia & New Zealand through the celebration of mateship.

Come join the Dallas Australian Rules Football Club for their first official training of 2018. Everyone is welcome, especially first timers and ladies. Bring your runners/footy boots and plenty of enthusiasm. Following training we will be heading to one of our sponsor bars - Republic Ranch for an Anzac Day event.

The commemorative church service will be followed by a lunch hosted by the Australian Consulate-General and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) at The Sam Houston Hotel, 1117 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002. Lunch will commence at 11:00am.

Join us for a night of fun at 5th&Mad Bar as we celebrate the start of a new season and commemorate Anzac Day with our fellow Aussies. Drinking activities to ensue, cash to be won and nicknames to be made. All are welcome!

Come join us as we watch a great Australian Tradition on ANZAC Day as the Collingwood Magpies take on the Essendon Bombers. Come learn about the game or watch your first game in a while! All are welcome!